Deadly violence rocks PoJK amid allegations of election rigging and crackdown

Jul 28, 2026

PoJK, 28 July 2026: - Tensions escalated dramatically in Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir's Rawalakot after protesters associated with the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) alleged that Pakistani security forces opened indiscriminate fire on demonstrators preparing to continue their march towards Muzaffarabad. According to eyewitnesses linked to the Awami Huqooq Long March, more than 20 people were killed and nearly two dozen others were injured during the protest. The Joint Awami Action Committee has been spearheading the Awami Huqooq Long March, a protest campaign demanding political rights, economic relief and greater public accountability in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Protesters have alleged widespread electoral irregularities and rigging, accusing authorities of undermining the democratic process. The latest march towards Muzaffarabad has witnessed large public participation from several districts, with protesters alleging excessive use of force by authorities. The latest violence is likely to deepen questions over Islamabad's handling of dissent in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with protesters alleging that democratic voices are being met with repression rather than dialogue. The latest violence is likely to deepen questions over Islamabad's handling of dissent in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with protesters alleging that democratic voices are being met with repression rather than dialogue.